Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has announced his intention to enter the NFL supplemental draft ahead of the 2026 season, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Sorsby acknowledged placing bets on multiple sports and completed in-patient rehab for a gambling addiction. His reinstatement request was denied by the NCAA in May, but a Texas judge issued a temporary injunction in June granting eligibility for the 2026 college football season.
Following the injunction, controversy emerged as Big 12 institutions and other programs expressed opposition. Amid a league lawsuit against Texas Tech and continued pushback, Sorsby chose to declare for the NFL.
The NFL last held a supplemental draft in 2023, with the most recent player selected being safety Jalen Thompson in 2019. The last quarterback chosen was Terrelle Pryor in 2011.
Approval of Sorsby’s submission will determine if a 2026 event is scheduled later in the summer. He faced a June 22 deadline to declare and moved forward to avoid a potential eligibility denial after the date passed.
Judge Ken Curry’s ruling on June 8, which allowed temporary eligibility, provoked an immediate reaction. Several Big 12 schools discussed boycotting games against Texas Tech, while others, including Georgia and Nebraska, restricted future scheduling.
The NCAA cited the situation as support for the Protect College Sports Act. On the same day the Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit, the NCAA requested that the Lubbock County District Court rule on an appeal before the upcoming college football season.
The NCAA had initially ruled Sorsby ineligible after an investigation found wagers totaling about $90,000 over four years, including 40 bets on Indiana football while he was a freshman.
Sorsby transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech before the 2026 season and had been anticipated to be one of the highest-paid players in college football with earnings projected above $5 million. He was No. 1 in ESPN’s NCAA transfer portal rankings after recording 2,800 passing yards and 27 touchdowns for Cincinnati in 2025.
The NFL supplemental draft process operates through a weighted lottery. Teams that finished lower in the standings receive more ping-pong balls for draft order determination, divided into three lotteries — one for teams with six or fewer wins, one for non-playoff teams with more than six wins, and one for playoff teams.
After the order is set, franchises submit “bids” corresponding to a draft round. If a bid is accepted, that team forfeits its pick in the same round the following year. Teams may also use acquired picks as bids if they hold multiple selections.
If Sorsby were selected, his contract would mirror the value of a player chosen in the same draft slot in April.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid reported Sorsby completed the 2025 season with 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, five interceptions and an 81.5 QBR that ranked 11th nationally in the FBS. He also ran for 616 yards and nine touchdowns.
Reid described him as a sudden thrower capable of delivering from many arm slots, noting both velocity and decision-making variability.
Jeremy Fowler stated that several executives view Sorsby as worth a second-round pick in the supplemental draft. One AFC executive suggested Sorsby might have been a late-first-rounder in the traditional April draft.
An NFC executive said, “An excellent easy thrower with the ability to make every throw. Big, good athlete, can go off schedule, can rush for touchdowns in short-yardage or goal-line situations. Lots of highlights. Would like more consistency, but a first-round talent for sure.”
Another executive said Sorsby is an effective game manager and decision-maker with an above-average arm.
Matt Miller noted scouts considered Sorsby a likely high Round 1 pick before the NFL’s mid-January underclassmen declaration deadline, ranking behind Fernando Mendoza but ahead of Ty Simpson. He was previously Miller’s No. 3 quarterback behind Arch Manning and Dante Moore.
Ben Solak identified potential interested teams, including the Cardinals, Browns, Jets, Dolphins, Falcons, Steelers, Colts, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Panthers. He noted many of those clubs might seek depth or long-term quarterback options.
Solak cited a “robust market” for Sorsby based on talent but recognized the unique circumstances influencing his case.
David Purdum highlighted precedents involving players affected by gambling violations, referencing quarterback Hunter Dekkers and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who both continued careers in the NFL following NCAA ineligibility findings.
Finally, Max Olson reported that despite Sorsby’s departure, Texas Tech expects to compete for another Big 12 championship. Will Hammond is slated to start at quarterback once he completes recovery from an ACL injury, supported by a talented offense and a defense returning four key starters from one of the nation’s top-ranked units.
Texas Tech’s roster includes running backs, pass catchers Terrance Carter Jr. and Coy Eakin, and returning offensive linemen, with A.J. Holmes Jr., Ben Roberts, John Curry, and Brice Pollock featured on defense.
Even as Sorsby transitions toward the NFL, Texas Tech plans to pursue another College Football Playoff berth under coach Joey McGuire.